Dr. Mead on Ongoing Research Efforts to Overcome BTK Inhibitor Resistance in CLL

Monica D. Mead, MD, a clinical instructor of hematology and oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), discusses ongoing research efforts to overcome BTK inhibitor resistance in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Currently, UCLA is participating in numerous CLL clinical trials, according to Mead. In 1 clinical trial in particular, the institution is partnering with the biotechnology company ArQule, Inc. to examine the novel BTK inhibitor ARQ 531, Mead says. Thus far, the agent has demonstrated promising activity, even in patients who have developed resistance to prior BTK inhibitors, Mead concludes.